respiratory protection program...health care professional (plhcp) as defined in 29 cfr 1910.134(b)...

January 2011 Page 1 of 40

Respiratory Protection

Program

Oklahoma State University Risk Management

Environmental Health & Safety Department

Revised February 2007

Reviewed January 2011

Oklahoma State University Respiratory Protection Program


OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

Table of Contents

I. Purpose ............................................................................................................................ page 2

II. Scope ................................................................................................................................ page 2

III. Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. page 2

IV. Engineering Controls ........................................................................................................ page 3

V. Types of Respiratory Protection ....................................................................................... page 4

VI. Selection of Respiratory Protection .................................................................................. page 4

VII. Medical Evaluations .......................................................................................................... page 6

VIII. Fit Testing Procedures ..................................................................................................... page 7

IX. Use of Respirators ............................................................................................................ page 9

X. Maintenance and Care ................................................................................................... page 10

XI. Cartridge Life and Change Out Schedule ...................................................................... page 12

XII. Breathing Air Quality and Use ........................................................................................ page 13

XIII. Identification Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters .............................................................. page 14

XIV. Training and Information ................................................................................................. page 14

XV. Program Evaluation ........................................................................................................ page 15

XVI. Recordkeeping ............................................................................................................... page 15

XVII. Voluntary Use ................................................................................................................. page 16

Appendix A – User Seal Check Instructions ................................................................................ page 17

Appendix B – Fit Test Procedures ............................................................................................... page 18

Appendix C – Definition of Terms ................................................................................................ page 23

Appendix D – OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire ........................................... page 28

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. page 37

Index ............................................................................................................................................ page 38



I. Purpose.

a. The purpose of the Respiratory Protection Program (or Program) is to ensure that all employees have adequate respiratory protection in the workplaces on the Oklahoma State University campus where engineering controls or work practices are inadequate or not feasible to reduce the exposure to airborne contaminates.

b. In all cases, engineering controls must be considered and implemented to the extent that they are feasible.

c. Definitions are found in Appendix C of this document.

II. Scope

a. This Program shall cover all Oklahoma State University employees on the Stillwater campus who wear respiratory protection during work activities and those who anticipate wearing respiratory equipment during an emergency incident. This Respiratory Protection Program specifically excludes those employees whose primary job function is to abate or work with asbestos. A separate Asbestos Respiratory Protection Program has been developed to specifically address asbestos and asbestos employees.

III. Responsibilities

a. Oklahoma State University (hereafter referred to as the University or OSU).

b. OSU shall provide respirators, training, fit testing, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee.

c. Program Administrator

1. The Designated Program Administrator shall be the Environmental Hazards Coordinator (EHC), Department of Environment Health and Safety, or his/her designated representative.

2. The EHC shall have the authority to make decisions and implement changes to the Program as necessary.

3. The EHC shall administer/oversee the Program.

4. The EHC shall conduct the required evaluations of Program effectiveness.

5. The EHC shall ensure that all respirator users are properly trained and fit tested.

6. The EHC shall ensure that all employees who wear a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece shall be fit tested before use in the workplace.

7. The EHC shall provide a copy of the Respiratory Protection Program to the OSU Wellness Center, Employee Health Clinic.

8. The EHC shall assist departments in identifying, evaluating, and surveying work areas that require respiratory protection.

9. The EHC shall maintain records required by Section XI – Recordkeeping.



d. Supervisory Personnel. This Paragraph refers to those supervisory personnel who have at least one work area that requires the use of respiratory equipment. Supervisory personnel would include such people as foremen, superintendents, etc.

1. Supervisors shall be trained and familiarized with this Program.

2. Supervisors shall ensure that workers are identified, medically evaluated, trained, fit tested, and equipped for respiratory protection usage.

3. Supervisors shall ensure that respiratory equipment is available.

4. Supervisors shall enforce the proper use and maintenance of respiratory equipment, as necessary.

5. Supervisors shall monitor work areas to identify potential respiratory hazards.

6. Supervisors shall coordinate and consult with the Program Administrator on the administration of this Program.

e. Employees

1. The employee shall be responsible for the routine care and maintenance of the respirator. The employee shall inform his/her supervisor for remediation of any problems with the respirator.

2. The employee shall inform his/her supervisor of any respiratory hazards or any aspects of the Program that the employee feels is not being adequately addressed.

3. The employee shall maintain a facial surface consistent with a proper fit of the respiratory protective device, i.e., no beards and clean-shaven.

f. The OSU University Health Services Center is designated as the Physician or Other Health Care Professional (PLHCP) as defined in 29 CFR 1910.134(b) for the University.

1. The UHS Center shall make the determination whether an employee is medically fit to wear respiratory protection equipment.

2. The UHS Center shall determine what tests, evaluations, etc. are necessary to make the determination whether an employee is medically fit to wear respiratory protection equipment.

3. The UHS Center shall maintain records as prescribed in Section XI – Recordkeeping.

IV. Engineering Controls

Engineering controls shall be used when feasible. Examples of engineering controls are:

a. Changes in the work process that reduce or eliminate worker exposure;

b. Substitute less hazardous chemicals or products for more hazardous materials;

c. Enclose or isolate the work process from the affected workers; and/or

d. Use ventilation to dilute or remove the contaminant.



V. Types of Respiratory Protection

This Program covers the use of both air-filtered and air-supplied respirators.

VI. Selection of Respirators

a. General Requirements

1. OSU shall use NIOSH-certified respiratory equipment. A Certified Equipment List can be found on the NIOSH website http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/celintro.html.

2. OSU shall use respirators and cartridges that are:

a) Jointly approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and NIOSH as specified in 30 CFR 11, and manufactured after any date; or

b) Approved by NIOSH as specified in 42 CFR 84. Only those cartridges manufactured after July 10, 1998 shall be used.

3. OSU shall select and provide an appropriate respirator for the hazard. OSU shall use the following as guidance in the selection: 29 CFR Parts 1910.134, 1910.135, 1910.1001, 1926.1101, 1910.1017, 1910.1045, and 1910.1051; the ANSI Standard for Respiratory Protection Z88.2-1992; and any applicable federal and/or state regulations.

4. OSU shall identify and evaluate respirator hazards. Where OSU cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee exposure, OSU shall consider the atmosphere to be IDLH. Criteria for this shall be based on the following:

a) The activity or process the employee will be engaged in;

b) The type of respiratory hazard. This would include the physical, chemical, and physiological properties of the respiratory hazard or air contaminant;

c) The concentration of the air-borne contaminate that would be encountered in the work area;

d) The time spent wearing respiratory equipment;

e) The published TLV, PEL, IDLH, C (ceiling), STEL or any other available exposure limit for the particular contaminant;

f) The existence of a specific standard for a particular process or chemical that may require specific respiratory protection equipment;

g) The actual and potential oxygen content in the work area’s ambient air i.e., the determination of an oxygen-deficient atmosphere;

h) The capabilities and limitations of respiratory protection equipment used;

i) The ability of the cartridges to protect the wearer from the air-borne contaminants; and

j) The respirator-assigned protection factors.



5. OSU shall select respirators from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

b. Respirators for IDLH Atmospheres. If OSU determines that the atmosphere is an IDLH atmosphere, then OSU shall:

1. Provide one of the following respirators for the employee:

a) Pressure demand SCBA minimum 30 min; or

b) SAR with auxiliary self-contained air supply; or

c) Respirator provided only for escape from IDLH atmosphere shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from that atmosphere.

2. Oxygen deficient atmospheres shall be considered IDLH, unless demonstrated that the oxygen concentration is 16.0-19.5% by volume. (Elevation for Stillwater, OK, is 986 ft. Altitude guidelines are found in 29 CFR 1910.134 Table II.)

c. Respirators for atmospheres that are not IDLH.

1. OSU shall provide respirators adequate to protect the health of the user and ensure compliance.

2. OSU shall ensure that the respirator selected is appropriate for the chemical state and physical form of the contaminant.

3. For protection against gases and vapors, OSU shall provide:

a) Atmosphere-supplying respirator; or

b) Air-purifying respirator, providing that:

(1) Respirator equipped with an End of Service Life Indicator (ESLI) (NIOSH-certified) for the contaminate; or

(2) Implement a change schedule for canisters and cartridges before ESLI. Describe the information and data relied upon and the basis for this schedule and the basis for reliance on the data.

4. For protection against particulates, OSU shall provide:

a). Atmosphere-supplying respirator; or

b). Air-purifying respirator equipped with a NIOSH-certified HEPA filter; or

c). For contaminants consisting primarily of particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at least 2 micrometers, an air-purifying respirator equipped with any NIOSH-certified particulates filter shall be provided. To determine the class of particulate respirator and cartridge needed, the following table shall be used.



d). Filter Classifications, Under NIOSH 42 CFR 84.

Minimum Efficiency

No Oil Aerosol Exposure

(Not Oil-Proof)

Some Oil Aerosol

Exposure (Oil Resistant)

Total Oil Aerosol

Exposure (Oil Proof)

95% N95 R95 P95

99% N97 R97 P97

99.97% N100 R100 P100

Note that additional restrictions may be needed when using a particulate respirator.

e). The voluntary use of particulate masks in an area where respiratory protection is deemed by the EHS to not be needed shall be limited to N95 masks only. These masks are commonly referred to as “paper masks” or “dust masks.”

VII. Medical Evaluations of Employees

a. General. OSU shall provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. OSU will discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.

b. Medical evaluation procedures.

1. OSU has designated OSU University Health Services as the PLHCP.

2. The UHS shall use the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, Appendix D, of this document, to gather pertinent medical information.

c. Follow-up medical examination

1. OSU shall provide an opportunity for the employee to discuss the questionnaire and/or examination/medical results with the PLHCP.

2. OSU shall provide a follow-up examination to any employee who gives a positive response to any question among questions 1 through 8 in Section 2, Part A of the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, or whose initial medical exam demonstrates the need for a follow-up medical examination.

3. The follow-up medical examination shall include any medical tests, consultation, or diagnostic procedures that the PLHCP deems necessary to make a final determination.

d. Administration of the medical questionnaire and examinations. The OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire shall be administered confidentially during the employee’s normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the employee. If the employee needs assistance in filling out or understanding the questionnaire, the Wellness Center will provide assistance, as to maintain confidentiality.

e. Supplemental information for the PLHCP



1. OSU shall provide the PLHCP the following information for each employee. This information only needs to be supplied once, as long as there have been no changes. If there are changes, OSU shall provide the PLHCP with those changes.

a) The type and weight of the respirator;

b) The duration and frequency of respirator use, including use for rescue and escape;

c) The expected physical work effort;

d) Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn; and

e) Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered.

2. OSU shall provide the PLHCP a copy of this Program.

f. The PLHCP shall provide a written recommendation regarding the employee’s ability to use a respirator. In this recommendation, the PLHCP shall provide the following information:

1. Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of the employee, or related to the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator;

2. The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and

3. A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the PLHCP’s written recommendation.

g. If the respirator is a negative pressure respirator and the PLHCP finds a medical condition that may place the employee’s health at increased risk if the respirator is used, OSU shall provide a PAPR if the PLHCP’s medical evaluation finds that the employee can use such a respirator. If a subsequent medical evaluation finds that the employee is medically able to use a negative pressure respirator, then OSU is no longer required to provide a PAPR.

h. Additional medical evaluations. At a minimum, OSU shall provide additional medical evaluations that comply with the requirements of this section if:

1. An employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to his ability to use a respirator;

2. The PLHCP, a supervisor, or the Program Administrator determines that an employee needs to be reevaluated; or

3. A change occurs in the workplace conditions that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an employee. Examples are physical work effort, protective clothing, and temperature.



VIII. Fit Testing Procedures

Before an employee wears a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator to be used.

a. The employee must pass an appropriate QLFT or QNFT. See Appendix B for procedures to perform a QLFT or a QNFT.

b. The employee shall be fit tested:

1. Prior to initial use of a respirator; and

2. Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model, or make) is used; and

3. On an annual basis.

c. The employee shall be given additional fit testing whenever the employee reports or the PLHCP, supervisors, or Program Administrator makes visual observations of, changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions are, but not limited to:

1. Facial scarring;

2. Dental changes;

3. Cosmetic surgery; or

4. Obvious change in body weight.

d. If after passing a QLFT or QNFT, the employee subsequently notifies the supervisor, Program Administrator, or the PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable, the employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and be retested.

e. QLFT may be only used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less.

f. The acceptable pass level for QNFT for tight fitting facepieces:

1. For full facepieces, the QNFT pass level shall be equal to or greater than 500.

2. For half facepieces, the QNFT pass level shall be equal to or greater than 100.

g. Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators shall be accomplished by performing QLFT or QNFT in the negative pressure mode regardless of which pressure-mode the respirator is used in work practices.



IX. Use of Respirators

a. Facepiece seal protection

1. General Use Limitations. OSU shall not permit employees to wear tight-fitting respirators under the following conditions:

a) When the atmospheric oxygen content is less than 19.5% by volume;

b) When there is an IDLH condition;

c) When the air contaminant(s) is extremely toxic in minute quantities;

d) When the air contaminant(s) cannot be sufficiently detected by odor or when the odor threshold is at or above the listed TLV or PEL;

e) When the air contaminant(s) is highly irritating to the eyes, unless the worker is using a full-face respirator mask or equivalent eye protection;

f) When the selected cartridge is not rated for the air contaminate(s);

g) When there is a fast cartridge breakthrough time for that particular air contaminant(s); or

h) When the concentration(s) of the air contaminant(s) exceed the maximum filter concentration for that air-purifying filter as specified by the manufacturer

2. Workers with facial hair that may interfere with the facepiece seal or valve function on tight-fitting respirators shall not use a tight-fitting respirator. This would include beards.

3. Other personal protective equipment such as head coverings, eye goggles, etc., shall be worn outside of the respirator. They shall be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the respirator. “Beard socks” shall not be worn between the respirator and the employee’s face.

4. OSU will provide respirator spectacle kits for those employees who must have corrective eyewear. The kits shall be provided at no cost to the employee.

b. The respirator shall not be altered in any manner.

c. All cartridges, replacement parts, etc., shall be from the same manufacturer as the respirator, e.g. use only 3M™ cartridges and parts for a 3M™ respirator.

d. When wearing a respirator, an employee shall be permitted to leave the hazardous area for any respirator-related reason. Some reasons, but not all, are listed below:

1. The respirator fails to provide adequate protection.

2. The respirator malfunctions.

3. The respirator wearer detects air leakage around the face seal.

4. The respirator wearer detects an odor or tastes a chemical.



5. The respirator wearer has increased breathing resistance.

6. The respirator wearer experiences any illnesses or discomforts such as dizziness, nausea, weakness, breathing difficulties, sneezing, fever, chills, distorted thought processes, etc.

7. The respirator wearer experiences extreme discomfort from wearing the respirator.

8. The respirator wearer needs to wash his/her face and facepiece to minimize skin irritation.

9. Components (including air tanks) or purifying devices need change-out.

10. The respirator wearer takes his/her periodic break.

e. For all tight-fitting respirators, the employee must perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator using the procedures listed in Appendix A or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer.

f. Procedures for IDLH atmospheres

1. Only employees who have had specific training for IDLH atmospheres may enter an IDLH area.

2. Employees shall wear either a positive pressure SCBA or an airline supplied air respirator with an escape SCBA.

3. Entry teams shall consist of a minimum of two (2) people.

4. A minimum of two (2) additional, trained, and equipped employees (standby team) shall be posted outside the IDLH atmosphere to provide emergency rescue. Communication shall be maintained between the entry team and the standby team. Equipment shall include positive pressure SCBAs or an airline supplied air respirator with an escape SCBA and appropriate retrieval equipment. Before the Standby Team enters the IDLH area for rescue, they shall first notify the Environmental Health and Safety Department.

X. Maintenance and Care of Respirators

a. Cleaning and Disinfecting

1. OSU shall provide each respirator user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order.

2. OSU shall provide the materials needed to clean and disinfect the respirators.

3. Each respirator user shall clean and disinfect his/her respirator according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes:

a) Disassembly, cleaning and disinfecting, rinsing, drying, and reassembly.

b) Frequency of cleaning is recommended at least after each use, and according to below:



(1) If the respiratory equipment is used exclusively by an individual employee, then it shall be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to maintain cleanliness.

(2) If the respiratory equipment is used by more than one employee, then it shall be cleaned and disinfected before each use.

(3) If the respiratory equipment is used for emergencies, training, or testing, then the equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

b. Storage

1. The respiratory equipment shall be stored in a manner that protects the equipment from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals.

2. The respiratory equipment shall be stored in a manner that prevents the deformation of the facepiece and the exhalation valve.

3. In addition, emergency-use respiratory equipment shall be stored in the following manner.

a) The respiratory equipment shall be stored in the work area where the equipment is readily accessible;

b) The respiratory equipment shall be stored in compartments or covers that are clearly labeled or marked as containing respiratory equipment; and

c) The respiratory equipment is stored according to any applicable manufacturer instructions.

c. Inspection of the Respiratory Equipment. OSU shall ensure that the respiratory equipment is inspected according to the following schedule.

1. The respiratory equipment shall be visually inspected for damaged or missing parts before each use and during cleaning.

2. Emergency-use respiratory equipment shall be inspected on a monthly basis and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The equipment shall also be checked for proper function before and after each use.

3. Emergency escape-only respiratory equipment shall be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use.

4. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shall be inspected monthly.

5. The respiratory equipment inspections shall consist of the following:

a) A check of the condition of the parts such as valves, cartridges, canisters, or filters, head straps, facepiece, connecting tube, and gaskets;

b) A check for respirator function; and



c) A check for signs of deterioration or lack of pliability.

d) For SCBAs, the air or oxygen cylinders shall have and maintain a minimum of 90% of the recommended pressure level. A check to determine if the regulator and warning devices are also functioning properly shall also be performed on a regular schedule.

d. Replacement and Repair

1. For Air-Purifying Respirators, the employee or his/her supervisor shall replace defective or missing valve flaps, gaskets, and head straps on air-purifying respirators. This is considered to be routine maintenance and not repair.

2. Repairs shall be made by qualified technicians.

3. The employee shall immediately inform his/her supervisor of any repairs to be made to the defective respirator equipment and take the equipment out of service.

4. The supervisor shall ensure that the defective respiratory equipment is either repaired or replaced. He/she shall also ensure that the defective equipment is not used in the interim.

XI. Cartridge Life (End of Service Life) and Change-Out Schedule

a. If available, the respirator wearer shall use the End-of-Service-Life-Indicator (ESLI) to determine when to change out air-purifying elements. If no ESLI is available for the selected air-purifying elements, then EHS shall be consulted to determine a change-out schedule to ensure that the air-purifying elements are changed out before the end of their useful service life.

b. The following factors may be utilized to estimate ESLI:

1. The relative humidity of the work area. Humidity above 85% can reduce an air-purifying element’s estimated service life by approximately 50%.

2. The type of air contaminant.

3. The concentration of the air contaminant. By reducing the amount of contaminant by a factor of ten (10), the service life of an air-purifying element can be increased by a factor of five (5).

4. The breathing demand of the respirator wearer. The harder and faster one breathes due to work stresses, the shorter the air-purifying element’s service life will be.

5. The presence of multiple contaminants.

6. How variable the contaminant’s concentration(s) will be.

7. The breakthrough time(s) of the contaminant(s).

c. If the respirator wearer experiences any odor, taste, or irritation, or experiences excessive breathing resistance, the wearer shall:



1. Immediately leave the contaminated area;

2. Change-out the air-purifying element(s) regardless of the ESLI change-out schedule;

3. Adjust the change-out schedule to shorter times; and

4. Contact EHS for possible changes to the existing change-out schedule.

d. The respirator wearer shall change-out and discard any air-purifying elements that have reached their ESLI, failed during use, become damaged or wet, or become difficult to breathe through.

e. If conditions are causing the air-purifying elements to fail before their ESLI, then EHS shall be contacted to determine if the job function requires the use of a supplied-air respirator.

f. For those cartridges that do not have an ESLI, a computer program such as OSHA’s Advisor Genius can be used to determine a change-out schedule. The web site for the Advisor Genius is http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/respiratory_advisor/advisor_genius_wood/ advisor_genius.html

XII. Breathing Air Quality and Use

a. Only compressed breathing air that meets the specifications below shall be used for air-supplying respirators.

1. Oxygen in concentrations greater than 23.5% by volume shall not be used in compressed air equipment. Oxygen in concentrations greater than 23.5% shall be used in oxygen equipment only.

2. Oxygen content in compressed breathing air shall be between 19.5% and 23.5% by volume.

3. Condensed hydrocarbon content shall be 5 mg/m3 or less.

4. Carbon monoxide content shall be 10 ppm or less.

5. Carbon dioxide content shall be 1000 ppm or less.

6. There shall be a lack of noticeable odor in the compressed air.

b. Cylinders of purchased compressed breathing air.

1. Cylinders shall be tested and maintained according to 49 CFR 173-178 – Shipping Container Specification Regulations (US Department of Transportation).

2. The supplier of the cylinder shall provide a certificate indicating that the breathing air has been tested and meets the criteria for Class D breathing air.

3. The compressed breathing air shall have a moisture level that does not exceed

the dew point of -50 F (-45.6 C).

http://www.osha-slc.gov/



c. Air Compressors used for breathing air.

1. For compressors that are not oil-lubed, the carbon monoxide level shall be 10 ppm or lower.

2. Oil lubed compressors shall have high-temperature alarms or carbon monoxide alarms.

3. Air compressors shall be located away from any source of air contamination such as the air from the hazardous work area, combustion exhaust from the compressor or vehicles, or plant process exhausts.

4. The moisture content shall have a dew point of 10 F (-5.56 C) or below.

d. Breathing air couplings shall be different from non-breathing air couplings.

e. Carbon monoxide level shall be monitored. An in-line carbon monoxide filter shall be used that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations.

f. All sorbents and filters shall be labeled with a tag stating the last change-out date.

g. All breathing air containers shall be labeled according to 42 CFR 84.

XIII. Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters

a. All filters, cartridges, and canisters used shall be NIOSH-approved.

b. All labels on the filters, cartridges, and canisters shall be labeled and color-coded with the NIOSH approval label.

c. During respirator use, the labels shall not be defaced, obscured, or removed. The information on them shall remain legible. Any marking on the filters, cartridges, or canisters by the user is acceptable if the marking does not compromise the integrity of the filter, cartridge, or canister, and it does not obscure the information on the label.

XIV. Training and Information

a. OSU shall ensure that the employee can demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:

1. Why respiratory protection is necessary;

2. The limitations and capabilities of respiratory equipment;

3. The use of respiratory equipment in an emergency;

4. How to inspect, put on, and remove a respirator, and how to perform user check seals;

5. The procedures for maintenance and storage of respiratory equipment;

6. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms; and

7. General requirements of Respiratory Protection Program.

b. The training shall be understandable to the employee.



c. The employee shall be trained before respiratory equipment usage.

d. Employees shall be retrained any time

1. They are changes in the workplace environment where respiratory protection is used; or

2. They are changes in the procedures or policies in respiratory equipment usage; or

3. Whenever the employee demonstrates inadequacies in knowledge; or

4. Any other situation that might warrant retraining.

XV. Program Evaluation

The Program Administrator shall evaluate the Respiratory Protection Program for the workplace. This Evaluation is dependent upon various workplace practices.

a. At a minimum, he/she shall assess:

1. The proper respirator fit on the employee;

2. Whether the respirator use is interfering with effective work performance;

3. Whether appropriate respiratory protection has been selected;

4. Whether the respirator is used properly; and

5. Whether the respiratory equipment is used properly.

b. The Program Administrator shall talk with the workers about their respiratory equipment usage and its affect on them, e.g.

1. Interference with hearing or vision;

2. Fatigue;

3. Breathing difficulties;

4. Interference with movement or job performance;

5. Comfort;

6. Confidence in using the respirator correctly; and

7. Confidence that respiratory equipment is performing adequately.

c. The Program Administrator shall have any problems corrected.



XVI. Recordkeeping

a. The Program Administrator shall maintain a minimum of the following documents:

1. A written record from the OSU University Health Services that certifies that the employee is medically fit to wear a respirator and any limitations.

2. A written record of the last Respiratory Fit Test administered to the employee. At a minimum, the record shall contain:

a) Name of the employee tested;

b) Type of fit test used;

c) The make, model, and size of the respirator tested;

d) The date of the respiratory fit test;

e) The test results.

3. A current, written copy of the Respiratory Protection Program.

b. The OSU Wellness Center, as the PLHCP, shall maintain all written medical records of the employees who wear respiratory equipment.

c. Access to Records

1. Only the affected employee and the PLHCP shall have access to the affected employee’s medical records.

2. The Program Administrator shall make available for review and copying the written records of an affected employee.

3. An employee is restricted to his/her records only.

XVII. Where Respirator Use Is Not Required (Voluntary Usage)

This section is for those employees who voluntarily use Dust Masks (Paper Masks) when respiratory protection is not required. The employee shall either verbally or in writing be given the information contained in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910(134). This information is also found at the end of the Appendix D – OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire of this Document.



Appendix A User Seal Check Instructions

(Fit Check)

User Seal Checks shall be performed each time the respirator wearer dons (puts on) the respirator or enters a hazardous atmosphere. A User Seal Check is not the same as the annual Respirator Fit Test.

There are two User Seal Checks to be performed:

1. Negative Fit Check.

a. Don the respirator.

b. Adjust the straps.

c. Place palms of user’s hands over the inhalation inlets. The inhalation inlets are located on the cartridge, canister, or filter. This will prevent air from entering the mask when the user inhales. If needed, the user can use a piece of plastic to help close off the inlets.

d. Inhale slowly.

e. Hold breath for about 10 seconds. The mask should collapse slightly inward.

f. If the mask collapses and the user feels no leaks around the mask seal, the seal should be secure.

g. Vigorous or overly sustained inhalation can cause the seal to leak air. This should be avoided when checking the seal.

2. Positive Fit Check.

a. Don the respirator.

b. Adjust the straps.

c. Place the palm of the user’s hand over the exhalation outlet. The exhalation outlet is usually located on the lower center part of the mask. This will prevent air from leaving the mask when the user exhales. If needed, the user can use a piece of plastic to help close off the outlet.

d. Exhale slowly.

e. Hold breath for about 10 seconds. The mask should bulge out slightly.

f. If the mask bulges and the user feels no leaks around the mask seal, the seal should be secure.

g. Vigorous or overly sustained exhalation can cause the seal to leak air. This should be avoided when checking the seal.



Appendix B Fit Test Procedures

for Tight-Fitting Respirator Masks

General Requirements

a. The employer shall conduct fit testing using the following procedures. The requirements in this appendix apply to all OSHA-accepted fit test methods, both QLFT and QNFT.

b. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

c. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to determine an acceptable fit. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject's formal training on respirator use, because it is only a review.

d. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is being asked to select the respirator that provides the most acceptable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape, and will provide adequate protection if fitted and used properly.

e. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each chosen facepiece up to the face and eliminate those that obviously do not give an acceptable fit.

f. The more acceptable facepieces are noted in case the one selected proves unacceptable. The most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in paragraphs g and h, below. If the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.

g. Assessment of comfort shall include a review of the following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the respirator:

1. Position of the mask on the nose

2. Room for eye protection

3. Room to talk

4. Position of mask on face and cheeks

h. The following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:

1. Chin properly placed;

2. Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;

3. Fit across nose bridge;

4. Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;

5. Tendency of respirator to slip;

6. Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.



i. The test subject shall conduct a user seal check, either the negative and positive pressure seal checks described in Appendix A, or those recommended by the respirator manufacturer, which provide equivalent protection to the procedures in Appendix A. Before conducting the negative and positive pressure checks, the subject shall be told to seat the mask on the face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be selected and retested if the test subject fails the user seal check tests.

j. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, mustache or sideburns that cross the respirator sealing surface. Any type of apparel that interferes with a satisfactory fit shall be altered or removed.

k. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician or other licensed health care professional, as appropriate, to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.

l. If the employee finds the fit of the respirator unacceptable, the test subject shall be given the opportunity to select a different respirator and to be retested.

m. Exercise regimen. Prior to the commencement of the fit test, the test subject shall be given a description of the fit test and the test subject's responsibilities during the test procedure. The description of the process shall include a description of the test exercises that the subject will be performing. The respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes before the start of the fit test.

n. The fit test shall be performed while the test subject is wearing any applicable safety equipment that may be worn during actual respirator use which could interfere with respirator fit.

o. Test Exercises. The following test exercises are to be performed for all fit testing methods prescribed in this appendix. The test subject shall perform exercises, in the test environment, in the following manner:

1. Normal breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally.

2. Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as to not hyperventilate.

3. Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side. The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side.

4. Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e., when looking toward the ceiling).

5. Talking. The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The subject can read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or song. Rainbow Passage When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.



6. Grimace. The test subject shall grimace by smiling or frowning. (This applies only to QNFT testing; it is not performed for QLFT)

7. Bending over. The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he/she were to touch his/her toes. Jogging in place shall be substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as shroud type QNFT or QLFT units that do not permit bending over at the waist.

8. Normal breathing. Same as exercise (1).

9. Each test exercise shall be performed for one minute except for the grimace exercise which shall be performed for 15 seconds. The test subject shall be questioned by the test conductor regarding the comfort of the respirator upon completion of the protocol. If it has become unacceptable, another model of respirator shall be tried. The respirator shall not be adjusted once the fit test exercises begin. Any adjustment voids the test, and the fit test must be repeated.

Portacount Plus™ Fit Test Requirements.

a. Check the respirator to make sure the sampling probe and line are properly attached to the facepiece and that the respirator is fitted with a particulate filter capable of preventing significant penetration by the ambient particles used for the fit test (e.g., NIOSH 42 CFR 84 series 100, series 99, or series 95 particulate filter) per manufacturer's instruction.

b. Instruct the person to be tested to don the respirator for five minutes before the fit test starts. This purges the ambient particles trapped inside the respirator and permits the wearer to make certain the respirator is comfortable. This individual shall already have been trained on how to wear the respirator properly.

c. Check the following conditions for the adequacy of the respirator fit: Chin properly placed; Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened; Fit across nose bridge; Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin; Tendency of the respirator to slip; Self-observation in a mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.

d. Have the person wearing the respirator do a user seal check. If leakage is detected, determine the cause. If leakage is from a poorly fitting facepiece, try another size of the same model respirator, or another model of respirator.

e. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating the Portacount and proceed with the test.

f. The test subject shall be instructed to perform the exercises in this appendix.

g. After the test exercises, the test subject shall be questioned by the test conductor regarding the comfort of the respirator upon completion of the protocol. If it has become unacceptable, another model of respirator shall be tried.

h. Portacount Test Instrument

1. The Portacount will automatically stop and calculate the overall fit factor for the entire set of exercises. The overall fit factor is what counts. The Pass or Fail message will indicate whether or not the test was successful. If the test was a Pass, the fit test is over.

2. Since the pass or fail criterion of the Portacount is user programmable, the test operator shall ensure that the pass or fail criterion meet the requirements for minimum respirator performance in this Appendix.

3. A record of the test needs to be kept on file, assuming the fit test was successful. The record must contain the test subject's name; overall fit factor; make, model, style, and size of respirator used; and date tested.



Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) Protocol

a. General QLFT Requirements

1. The employer shall ensure that persons administering QLFT are able to prepare test solutions, calibrate equipment and perform tests properly, recognize invalid tests, and ensure that test equipment is in proper working order.

2. The employer shall ensure that QLFT equipment is kept clean and well maintained so as to operate within the parameters for which it was designed.

3. This qualitative fit test uses a person's response to the irritating chemicals released in the ``smoke'' produced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube to detect leakage into the respirator.

b. General Requirements and Precautions for Irritant Smoke QLFT

1. The respirator to be tested shall be equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or P100 series filter(s).

2. Only stannic chloride smoke tubes shall be used for this protocol.

3. No form of test enclosure or hood for the test subject shall be used.

4. The smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal passages. The test conductor shall take precautions to minimize the test subject's exposure to irritant smoke. Sensitivity varies, and certain individuals may respond to a greater degree to irritant smoke. Care shall be taken when performing the sensitivity screening checks that determine whether the test subject can detect irritant smoke to use only the minimum amount of smoke necessary to elicit a response from the test subject.

5. The fit test shall be performed in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent exposure of the person conducting the fit test or the build-up of irritant smoke in the general atmosphere.

c. Sensitivity Screening Check. The person to be tested must demonstrate his or her ability to detect a weak concentration of the irritant smoke.

1. The test operator shall break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic chloride and attach one end of the smoke tube to a low-flow air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters per minute, or an aspirator squeeze bulb. The test operator shall cover the other end of the smoke tube with a short piece of tubing to prevent potential injury from the jagged end of the smoke tube.

2. The test operator shall advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal passages and instruct the subject to keep his/her eyes closed while the test is performed.

3. The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke before the respirator is donned to become familiar with its irritating properties and to determine if he/she can detect the irritating properties of the smoke. The test operator shall carefully direct a small amount of the irritant smoke in the test subject's direction to determine that he/she can detect it.



d. Irritant Smoke Fit Test Procedure

1. The person being fit tested shall don the respirator without assistance, and perform the required user seal check(s).

2. The test subject shall be instructed to keep his/her eyes closed.

3. The test operator shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the smoke tube toward the faceseal area of the test subject, using the low-flow pump or the squeeze bulb. The test operator shall begin at least 12 inches from the facepiece and move the smoke stream around the whole perimeter of the mask. The operator shall gradually make two more passes around the perimeter of the mask, moving to within six inches of the respirator.

4. If the person being tested has not had an involuntary response and/or detected the irritant smoke, proceed with the test exercises.

5. The exercises identified in this appendix shall be performed by the test subject while the respirator seal is being continually challenged by the smoke being directed around the perimeter of the respirator at a distance of six inches.

6. If the person being fit tested reports detecting the irritant smoke at any time, the test is failed. The person being retested must repeat the entire sensitivity check and fit test procedure.

7. Each test subject passing the irritant smoke test without evidence of a response (involuntary cough, irritation) shall be given a second sensitivity screening check, with the smoke from the same smoke tube used during the fit test (once the respirator has been removed) to determine whether he/she still reacts to the smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fit test.

8. If a response is produced during this second sensitivity check, then the fit test is passed.

(29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix A – Fit Testing Procedures)



Appendix C Definition of Terms

ACGIH means the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

Action Level is the concentration for a specific substance, calculated as an eight (8) hour time-weighted average, which initiates certain required activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance. Typically, it is one-half that of the PEL for that substance.

Air-Purifying Element means the air-purifying filters, cartridges, or canisters used with an Air-Purify Respirator. These Air-Purify Elements are not suitable for oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Air-Purifying Respirator means a respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) This means that the respirator purifies the air as the worker breathes.

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) means the voluntary organization of professional industrial hygiene personnel in government or educational institutions. The ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure limits each year called Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for hundreds of chemicals, physical agents, and biological exposure indices.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a voluntary membership organization that develops consensus standards nationally for a wide variety of devices and procedures.

ANSI means the American National Standards Institute.

Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator means a respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere, and includes supplied-air respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) This means that the respirator supplies a worker clean air from an uncontaminated source.

C shall mean Ceiling as defined by the ACGIH. See Ceiling.

Canister or Cartridge means a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items, which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Ceiling (C or TLV-C) means that maximum concentration of a contaminant that should not be exceeded, even for an instant.

CFR means the Federal Code of Regulations.

Demand Respirator means an atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece only when a negative pressure is created inside the facepiece by inhalation. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Dew Point means the temperature at which the air is saturated with moisture.

Emergency Situation means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment that may or does result in an uncontrolled significant release of an airborne contaminant. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Employee means an individual employed at OSU who may be exposed to hazardous materials in the course of his or her work duties.



Employee Exposure means exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protection. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

End-Of-Service-Life Indicator (ESLI) means a system that warns the respirator user of the approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection, for example, that the sorbent is approaching saturation or is no longer effective. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Escape-Only Respirator means a respirator intended to be used only for emergency exit. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Filter or Air Purifying Element means a component used in respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols from the inspired air. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Filtering Facepiece (Dust Mask) means a negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filter medium. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) Sometimes, this mask is referred to as a “Paper Mask.”

Fit Factor means a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual, and typically estimates the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Fit Test means the use of a protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual. (See also Qualitative Fit Test QLFT and Quantitative Fit Test QNFT.) (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) A Fit Test is performed annually, and is not to be confused with the positive and negative User Seal Check that is performed every time the mask is donned.

Gas means a fluid such as air that does not have a defined volume or shape but tends to expand infinitely. In other words, a gas is a chemical substance that resembles air. Some examples are oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Helmet means a rigid respiratory inlet covering that also provides head protection against impact and penetration. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter. The equivalent NIOSH 42 CFR 84 particulate filters are the N100, R100, and P100 filters. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Hood means a respiratory inlet covering that completely covers the head and neck and may also cover portions of the shoulders and torso. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

IDLH means Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) means an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life and would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) It is the maximum concentration from which one could escape within 30 minutes without a respirator and without experiencing any escape-impairing (e.g., severe eye irritation) or irreversible health effects.

Inhalation means the breathing in of an airborne substance that may be in the form of gases, fumes, mists, vapors, or dusts.

Interior Structural Firefighting means the physical activity of fire suppression, rescue or both, inside of buildings or enclosed structures that are involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient stage. (See 29 CFR 1910.155)



Loose-Fitting Facepiece means a respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form a partial seal with the face. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

M3 shall mean cubic meter.

Mists mean liquids that have been atomized into the air and that have formed minute particles. In other words, they are very fine particles of liquid suspended in the air. For example, spray painting forms mists in the air.

Negative Pressure Respirator (Tight Fitting) means a respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

NIOSH means the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH is a federal agency that has various responsibilities, which include training occupational health and safety professionals, conducting research on health and safety concerns, and testing and certifying respirators for work place use.

Odor Threshold means the minimum concentration of a substance in the air at which a majority of test subjects can detect and identify (smell) the substance's characteristic odor.

OSHA means the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA publishes and enforces safety and health regulations for most businesses and industries in the United States.

Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere means an atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) Normal oxygen content in air is about 20.9% by volume at sea level.

Paper Mask -- See Filtering Facepiece.

Particulates mean very fine solid particles that are suspended in the air. These are formed from sanding, crushing, grinding, etc. Normally, particulates are greater than 0.3 microns in diameter. Some examples are wood dust, concrete dust, and asbestos fibers.

PEL means the Permissible Exposure Limit as defined by OSHA.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is exposure limit that is published and enforced by OSHA as a legal standard. PEL may be either a time-weighted-average (TWA) exposure limit (8 hour), a 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL), or a ceiling (C). The PELs are found in Tables Z-1, Z-2, or Z-3 of 29 CFR 1910.100. This level of exposure is deemed to be the maximum safe concentration, and is often the same value as the TLV.

Personal Protective Equipment means equipment such as gloves, respirators, clothing, and safety glasses that are used to protect the employee from environmental hazards (splashes, airborne contaminants, welding arcs, etc.).

Physician Or Other Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP) means an individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide, or be delegated the responsibility to provide, some or all of the health care services required by paragraph (e) of 29 CFR 1910.134(b).

Positive Pressure Respirator means a respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) An SCBA is one type of a positive pressure respirator.



Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) means an air-purifying respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Ppm shall mean parts per million.

Pressure Demand Respirator means a positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive pressure is reduced inside the facepiece by inhalation. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) means a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit that relies on the individual's response to the test agent. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) This Test uses a chemical substance that a person can smell and/or taste if the respirator fit is inadequate.

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) This test uses a machine, such as the PortaCount Plus™, to count the number of particulates that escape into the respirator mask.

Respirator means a device that fits over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system from airborne contaminants. There are two types of respirators: air-supplied and air-purifying respirators.

Respiratory Hazard means a particular concentration of an airborne contaminant that, when it enters the body by way of the respiratory system or by being breathed into the lungs, results in some bodily function impairment or harm.

Respiratory Inlet Covering means that portion of a respirator that forms the protective barrier between the user's respiratory tract and an air-purifying device or breathing air source, or both. It may be a facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, or a mouthpiece respirator with nose clamp. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Respiratory Protection means the use of respirators to protect an employee’s respiratory system e.g. to protect the employee’s health by supplying him with non-contaminated air.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) means an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Service Life means the period of time that a respirator, filter, or sorbent, or other respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL or TLV-STEL) means the maximum concentration to which employees can be exposed for a short period of time (15 minutes) for only four times throughout the day with at least one hour between exposures.

STEL means the Short Term Exposure Limit.

Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline Respirator means an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Threshold Limit Values are a set of standards for the concentration of air-borne contaminants. These values are calculated based on time-weighted averages i.e., they are based on conditions that employees can be exposed to day after day without adverse effects. These are guidelines, not legal standards, established by the ACGIH.



Tight-Fitting Facepiece means a respiratory inlet covering that forms a complete seal with the face. (29 CFR 1910.134(b))

Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA, Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average) means the time weighted average of airborne chemical concentration for a normal eight hour work day and a 40 hour work week to which nearly all employees may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect. These limits are guidelines, not legal standards, established by the ACGIH.

TLV means the Threshold Limit Value as defined by the ACGIH. See Threshold Limit Values.

TLV-C -- See Ceiling.

TLV-STEL See Short Term Exposure Limit.

User Seal Check means an action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face. (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) There are two Seal Checks: a positive and negative check. The User Seal Check is done every time a user dons his respirator.

Vapors mean liquid or solid chemicals that are in their gaseous state. They are formed when chemicals evaporate. Examples of chemicals that form vapors are paint thinners, gasoline, and alcohol.

Volatile means that the liquid chemical readily and easily vaporizes into vapors at room temperature.



Appendix D OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire

To the employer: Answers to questions in Section 1, and to question 9 in Section 2 of Part A, do not require a medical examination.

To the employee: Can you read (circle one): Yes/No

Your employer must allow you to answer this questionnaire during normal working hours, or at a time and place that is convenient to you. To maintain your confidentiality, your employer or supervisor must not look at or review your answers, and your employer must tell you how to deliver or send this questionnaire to the health care professional who will review it.

Part A. Section 1. (Mandatory) The following information must be provided by every employee who has been selected to use any type of respirator (please print).

1. Today's date: ________________________________________________________________

2. Your name: ___________________________________________________________________

3. Your age (to nearest year): ______________________________________________________

4. Sex (circle one): Male/Female

5. Your height: ____ ft. ____ in.

6. Your weight: ____ lbs.

7. Your job title: ________________________________________________________________

8. A phone number where you can be reached by the health care professional who reviews this questionnaire (include the Area Code): _____________________________________________

9. The best time to phone you at this number: _________________________________________

10. Has your employer told you how to contact the health care professional who will review this questionnaire (circle one): Yes/No

11. Check the type of respirator you will use (you can check more than one category):

a. ____ N, R, or P disposable respirator (filter-mask, non-cartridge type only).

b. ____ Other type (for example, half- or full-facepiece type, powered-air purifying, supplied-air, self-contained breathing apparatus).

12. Have you worn a respirator (circle one): Yes/No

If “yes,” what type(s): ___________________________________________________________



Part A. Section 2. (Mandatory) Questions 1 through 9 below must be answered by every employee who has been selected to use any type of respirator (please circle “yes” or “no”).

1. Do you currently smoke tobacco, or have you smoked tobacco in the last month: Yes/No

2. Have you ever had any of the following conditions?

a. Seizures (fits): Yes/No

b. Diabetes (sugar disease): Yes/No

c. Allergic reactions that interfere with your breathing: Yes/No

d. Claustrophobia (fear of closed-in places): Yes/No

e. Trouble smelling odors: Yes/No

3. Have you ever had any of the following pulmonary or lung problems?

a. Asbestosis: Yes/No

b. Asthma: Yes/No

c. Chronic bronchitis: Yes/No

d. Emphysema: Yes/No

e. Pneumonia: Yes/No

f. Tuberculosis: Yes/No

g. Silicosis: Yes/No

h. Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): Yes/No

I. Lung cancer: Yes/No

j. Broken ribs: Yes/No

k. Any chest injuries or surgeries: Yes/No

l. Any other lung problem that you've been told about: Yes/No

4. Do you currently have any of the following symptoms of pulmonary or lung illness?

a. Shortness of breath: Yes/No

b. Shortness of breath when walking fast on level ground or walking up a slight hill or incline: Yes/No

c. Shortness of breath when walking with other people at an ordinary pace on level ground: Yes/No

d. Have to stop for breath when walking at your own pace on level ground: Yes/No



e. Shortness of breath when washing or dressing yourself: Yes/No

f. Shortness of breath that interferes with your job: Yes/No

g. Coughing that produces phlegm (thick sputum): Yes/No

h. Coughing that wakes you early in the morning: Yes/No

I. Coughing that occurs mostly when you are lying down: Yes/No

j. Coughing up blood in the last month: Yes/No

k. Wheezing: Yes/No

l. Wheezing that interferes with your job: Yes/No

m. Chest pain when you breathe deeply: Yes/No

n. Any other symptoms that you think may be related to lung problems: Yes/No

5. Have you ever had any of the following cardiovascular or heart problems?

a. Heart attack: Yes/No

b. Stroke: Yes/No

c. Angina: Yes/No

d. Heart failure: Yes/No

e. Swelling in your legs or feet (not caused by walking): Yes/No

f. Heart arrhythmia (heart beating irregularly): Yes/No

g. High blood pressure: Yes/No

h. Any other heart problem that you've been told about: Yes/No

6. Have you ever had any of the following cardiovascular or heart symptoms?

a. Frequent pain or tightness in your chest: Yes/No

b. Pain or tightness in your chest during physical activity: Yes/No

c. Pain or tightness in your chest that interferes with your job: Yes/No

d. In the past two years, have you noticed your heart skipping or missing a beat: Yes/No

e. Heartburn or indigestion that is not related to eating: Yes/No

f. Any other symptoms that you think may be related to heart or circulation problems: Yes/No



7. Do you currently take medication for any of the following problems?

a. Breathing or lung problems: Yes/No

b. Heart trouble: Yes/No

c. Blood pressure: Yes/No

d. Seizures (fits): Yes/No

8. If you've used a respirator, have you ever had any of the following problems? (If you've never used a respirator, check the following space and go to question 9.)

a. Eye irritation: Yes/No

b. Skin allergies or rashes: Yes/No

c. Anxiety: Yes/No

d. General weakness or fatigue: Yes/No

e. Any other problem that interferes with your use of a respirator: Yes/No

9. Would you like to talk to the health care professional who will review this questionnaire about your answers to this questionnaire: Yes/No

Questions 10 to 15 below must be answered by every employee who has been selected to use either a full-facepiece respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). For employees who have been selected to use other types of respirators, answering these questions is voluntary.

10. Have you ever lost vision in either eye (temporarily or permanently): Yes/No

11. Do you currently have any of the following vision problems?

a. Wear contact lenses: Yes/No

b. Wear glasses: Yes/No

c. Color blind: Yes/No

d. Any other eye or vision problem: Yes/No

12 Have you ever had an injury to your ears, including a broken eardrum: Yes/No

13 Do you currently have any of the following hearing problems?

a. Difficulty hearing: Yes/No

b. Wear a hearing aid: Yes/No

c. Any other hearing or ear problem: Yes/No

14. Have you ever had a back injury: Yes/No



15. Do you currently have any of the following musculoskeletal problems?

a. Weakness in any of your arms, hands, legs, or feet: Yes/No

b. Back pain: Yes/No

c. Difficulty fully moving your arms and legs: Yes/No

d. Pain or stiffness when you lean forward or backward at the waist: Yes/No

e. Difficulty fully moving your head up or down: Yes/No

f. Difficulty fully moving your head side to side: Yes/No

g. Difficulty bending at your knees: Yes/No

h. Difficulty squatting to the ground: Yes/No

I. Climbing a flight of stairs or a ladder while carrying more than 25 lbs: Yes/No

j. Any other muscle or skeletal problem that interferes with using a respirator: Yes/No

Part B. Any of the following questions, and other questions not listed, may be added to the questionnaire at the discretion of the health care professional who will review the questionnaire.

1. In your present job, are you working at high altitudes (over 5,000 feet) or in a place that has lower than normal amounts of oxygen: Yes/No

If ``yes,'' do you have feelings of dizziness, shortness of breath, pounding in your chest, or other symptoms when you're working under these conditions: Yes/No

2. At work or at home, have you ever been exposed to hazardous solvents, hazardous airborne chemicals (e.g., gases, fumes, or dust), or have you come into skin contact with hazardous chemicals: Yes/No

If ``yes,'' name the chemicals if you know them: ______________________________________

3. Have you ever worked with any of the materials, or under any of the conditions, listed below?

a. Asbestos: Yes/No

b. Silica (e.g., in sandblasting): Yes/No

c. Tungsten/cobalt (e.g., grinding or welding this material): Yes/No

d. Beryllium: Yes/No

e. Aluminum: Yes/No

f. Coal (for example, mining): Yes/No

g. Iron: Yes/No

h. Tin: Yes/No



I. Dusty environments: Yes/No

j. Any other hazardous exposures: Yes/No

If “yes,” describe these exposures: __________________________________________

4. List any second jobs or side businesses you have: ____________________________________

5. List your previous occupations: ___________________________________________________

6. List your current and previous hobbies: _____________________________________________

7. Have you been in the military services? Yes/No

If “yes,” were you exposed to biological or chemical agents (either in training or combat): Yes/No

8. Have you ever worked on a HAZMAT team? Yes/No

9. Other than medications for breathing and lung problems, heart trouble, blood pressure, and seizures mentioned earlier in this questionnaire, are you taking any other medications for any reason (including over-the-counter medications): Yes/No

If “yes,” name the medications if you know them: _____________________________________

10. Will you be using any of the following items with your respirator(s)?

a. HEPA Filters: Yes/No

b. Canisters (for example, gas masks): Yes/No

c. Cartridges: Yes/No

11. How often are you expected to use the respirator(s) (circle “yes” or “no” for all answers that apply to you)?

a. Escape only (no rescue): Yes/No

b. Emergency rescue only: Yes/No

c. Less than 5 hours per week: Yes/No

d. Less than 2 hours per day: Yes/No

e. 2 to 4 hours per day: Yes/No

f. Over 4 hours per day: Yes/No



12. During the period you are using the respirator(s), is your work effort:

a. Light (less than 200 kcal per hour): Yes/No

If “yes,” how long does this period last during the average shift: ____________ hrs. ____________ mins.

Examples of a light work effort are sitting while writing, typing, drafting, or performing light assembly work; or standing while operating a drill press (1-3 lbs.) or controlling machines.

b. Moderate (200 to 350 kcal per hour): Yes/No


Examples of moderate work effort are sitting while nailing or filing; driving a truck or bus in urban traffic; standing while drilling, nailing, performing assembly work, or transferring a moderate load (about 35 lbs.) at trunk level; walking on a level surface about 2 mph or down a 5-degree grade about 3 mph; or pushing a wheelbarrow with a heavy load (about 100 lbs.) on a level surface.

c. Heavy (above 350 kcal per hour): Yes/No


Examples of heavy work are lifting a heavy load (about 50 lbs.) from the floor to your waist or shoulder; working on a loading dock; shoveling; standing while bricklaying or chipping castings; walking up an 8-degree grade about 2 mph; climbing stairs with a heavy load (about 50 lbs.).

13. Will you be wearing protective clothing and/or equipment (other than the respirator) when you're using your respirator: Yes/No

If “yes,” describe this protective clothing and/or equipment: _____________________________

14. Will you be working under hot conditions (temperature exceeding 77 deg. F): Yes/No

15. Will you be working under humid conditions: Yes/No

16. Describe the work you'll be doing while you're using your respirator(s): _____________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

17. Describe any special or hazardous conditions you might encounter when you're using your respirator(s) (for example, confined spaces, life-threatening gases):

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________



18. Provide the following information, if you know it, for each toxic substance that you'll be exposed to when you're using your respirator(s):

Name of the first toxic substance: _________________________________________________

Estimated maximum exposure level per shift: ________________________________________

Duration of exposure per shift: ____________________________________________________

Name of the second toxic substance: ______________________________________________



Name of the third toxic substance: _________________________________________________



The name of any other toxic substances that you'll be exposed to while using your respirator: __

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

19. Describe any special responsibilities you'll have while using your respirator(s) that may affect the safety and well-being of others (for example, rescue, security): ___________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

Appendix D to Sec. 1910.134 (Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard

Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for employees. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the employee. Sometimes, employees may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous substance does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, or if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard. You should do the following:

1. Read and heed all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and care, and warnings regarding the respirator’s limitations.

2. Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the contaminant of concern. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, certifies respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it will protect you.



3. Do not wear your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.

4. Keep track of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use someone else's respirator.

(29 CFR 1910.134 App. C)



Bibliography

3M 1997 Respirator Selection Guide, 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division, 1997.

3M 6000 Series Full Facepiece Respirator Instructions for Use. 3M, no date

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29 Part 1910

Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary. rev. by N. Irving Sax and Richard J Lewis, Sr. 11th ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1987.

Oklahoma State University Environment Health and Safety. The OSU Laboratory Safety Manual. rev. December 1999. October 3, 2000. .

Respiratory Protection Employee Handbook, Summit Training Source, Inc. 1998.

Respiratory Protection Facilitator’s Guide, Summit Training Source, Inc. 1999.

Respiratory Protection Program, Environment Health and Safety Department, Texas A & M, rev. September 1998.

Respiratory Protection Program. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. June 2000.

Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Revised Respiratory Protection Standard, prepared for U.S. Department of Labor, prepared by Eastern Research Group, Inc., September 30, 1998.

http://www.ehs.okstate.edu/HAZMAT/LABMAN/toc.htm



Index

A

Air

air compressors ............................................................ 14

breathing quality .......................................................... 13

compressed breathing air specs ................................... 13

cylinder specifications .....

respiratory protection program...health care professional (plhcp) as defined in 29 cfr 1910.134(b)...

Documents